Home / Wonderful Wildlife on Bute / The Beautiful Island of Bute
The Beautiful Island of Bute
The Isle of Bute has a great deal of fascinating wildlife to offer. Anyone with an interest in things that walk, fly, crawl, slither and swim will have a multitude of opportunities to see their favourite animals in a marvellous setting, their own, undisturbed Island environment.
There is such a diverse variety of wildlife to keep even the keenest nature enthusiast stimulated and inspired. As well as the many more widespread species you may see throughout the U.K. the following is a small assortment which have all been spotted on Bute either visiting or living here. Osprey, Hen Harriers, Buzzards, Golden Eagles, Red Throated Divers, Gadwalls, Gargany, Bar Tailed Godwits, Golden Plover, Meadow Pippets, Skylarks, Whitethroats & Jays Scotch Argus Butterflies, Red and Roe Deer, Porpoise, Dolphins, Grey Seals , Highland Cattle, Foxes, Mink, A Heronry, Bird Hides and so much more that space simply doesn’t allow.
Below you will read just one of many beautiful, memorable and educational walks to take on the island. The Bute Bird group has some interesting info for birdwatchers at http://butebirdgroup.co.uk/pages/homepage.php
For more inspiring exciting wildlife walks for most ages and abilities not to mention a very enjoyable read please visit the website of one of Bute’s very own nature fanatic’s and keen walker Norrie Mulholland: www.birdseyeviewofbute.co.uk
A walk to the Bull Loch.
This is a short, ( 4m, 6.6 Km) but exhilarating walk from the Rhubodach/Colintraive ferry terminal, walking to the loch and returning a slightly different way.
Park at the car park at the terminal. There are buses to this point but are infrequent for this short walk. Head past the ticket office and you will come to a gate with a sign saying ‘Rhubodach Shore Walk’. (image no 1) Through this gate and follow the path to the brow of the small hump, then carry on the path, then as the path becomes non-existent, head to the shores, and along the high water mark till you come to the Ballnakailly Burn. Follow it upstream till you see the way across it, used by tractors etc, then as you wade across it (depending how much rain we have been having) or the state of the tides. Just before you come to the crossing place, look to the edge of the woods and you will see a galvanised gate, (Image no 2) head for this gate.. If you happen to have a heavy dog, the gate will pull out at the bottom, allowing access for your canine friend. As you climb over this gate (no hinges) watch out for the barbed wire on top of the post.
Follow the faint path till it all but disappears, then look at (image no 3). Keep heading the way that you were walking, and as you start to climb you will see that there is a deep track to your right, this was caused by the horse and carts heading to Ballnakailly . If you see these tracks, then you are on the right way up, with the stream to you left, with a big drop down to it.
Carry on upwards till you come to an S bend on the stream and also on the path.. On a tree to your left you will see a bird box, which is one of many being used by tits, pied flycatchers etc, and by bats in the winter months. Go round this tree and swing to your left, then about 50 yds onwards your path takes a right turn, and you should end up at a moss covered small wall with an iron post atop of it. ( Image no 4) Drop down over the wall, then move about 5 yds to your right and you will see the way through the pine trees, which form an arch coming to a round stone with a deep hollow in it.( possibly for grinding corn) (Image no 5). Then in front of you are the Ballnakailly ruins. (image no 6) , keep them on your right and you will be on a boggy path heading uphill once more.. After about 100 yds, on your right you will come across piles of pine needles which is the home of Wood Ants, and if it is sunny then they will be busy and if you hold your hand over them, they will spit formic acid on to you which smell like vinegar, but don’t get too close as they also have a tendency to bite.
Up, and onwards till you come to the turning area for lorries, then on to the Landover track till you come to the main Landover track.. As you come to this junction you will see a post with an arrow on it on your left, this is the way that you will return after a visit to the loch. Carry on the main track heading upwards, until you notice that the pine trees are well below you. Look out for a large stone with a near horizontal crack on it at the edge of the woods, this is letting you know that you are on the right track and nearing the final turning point.
Onwards and upwards until it levels off a wee bit looking out for a pine tree that is right at the track on your right, that means that you are 50 yds from your next turning. Look out for the pine trees to stop and being replaced with smaller broad leaved ones, this is the sign that you are almost there
Ahead and on your left high up is a solitary small pine tree, head for this, and when you get to it, look to your right and you will see a gap between the trees with the path in the middle.
Head up this path, and swing to your left at the top. Carry on along and down following a well used path through the heather, coming to boggy bits, then more heather, then more boggy bits, then as you get to level ground be very careful as what you may think is a path, maybe a ditch which may be very deep. Onwards to the loch (image no. 7) which is now in sight and is only minutes away from you.
Tea/Coffee time, then back up the hill and head to the Landrover track. Turn left, heading downhill till you come to that sign that I mentioned before. Swing to your right and on to the next sign, turn left and you will eventually come to the main road. Go left, and walk along the grass verge to your car.
I hope that you have had a good walk and may try more that I will write about.
Norrie Mulholland
The gardens on Bute have something to delight every taste. Visitors to Bute will be thrilled to observe Scottish gardening at its most diverse and finest on one island. From the substantial 300 acres of vibrant gardens, woodland and walks at Mount Stuart to the informal abundantly planted Ascog Hall with its unique, award winning Victorian Fernery to the formal, immaculately tended bedding displays, aviary and glasshouses at Ardencraig Gardens. Bute is a plant enthusiast’s paradise. When you can’t resist purchasing some of the plants you have seen on your visit to Bute you have many opportunities at Ascog Hall, Mount Stuart and Mill Cottage Garden Centre.
Ascog Hall Fernery & Gardens
Ascog Hall Gardens and Victorian Fernery
A charming three acre garden in a fairy-tale setting with an awe-inspiring Victorian fern house, a fascinating gravel garden favoured by butterflies and visitors alike, and a rose garden abundantly planted with ramblers and old shrub roses. Elsewhere, meandering paths lead through exotic plantings with a mixture of trees, shrubs, bulbs and choice perennials providing interest and colour from Easter to autumn.
Please see our facebook page for all events and many photographs of the garden throughout the season.
For all other information and enquiries visit www.ascoghallfernery.co.uk
Ardencraig Gardens
Ardencraig Gardens
Recently described as having the “best display of summer bedding anywhere in Scotland” this beautiful walled garden and glasshouses at their finest in July & August are run by Argyll and Bute council and have been developed to create a propagation, education and show garden with new cultivars introduced annually. The plants cultivated at Ardencraig are used throughout the Argyll and Bute region. There are a number of aviaries housing a range of foreign bird species that have been built to provide further interest - these are very popular with visiting children! The vibrant, well maintained displays in Rothesay are highly praised and enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk/gardens/ardencraig-gardens.html
Mount Stuart
Mount Stuart kitchen garden
300 acres and 300 years of fascinating and constantly evolving gardening at Mount Stuart make it a must see for all visitors to Bute. Designed upon an exquisite natural canvas provided by the island’s lush habitat and picturesque shoreline, today, they are amongst Europe’s finest vibrant gardens, wilderness and woodland.
Mount Stuart has an exotically planted 5 acre wee garden, an elaborate rock garden designed by Thomas Mawson, a Pinetum, a Kitchen Garden containing culinary and medicinal delights and an elegant glass house pavilion, a contemporary garden surrounding the award winning visitor centre, not to mention countless enjoyable walks through the policies and plants for sale. There are also vast carpets of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells to delight in depending on the time of year you visit.
Events Calendar 2010
FEBRUARY
Tuesday 23rd February 2010 – Meeting point – Discovery Centre, Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Rothesay Heritage Walk
A special interest walk looking at the history of Rothesay’s Town Centre through it’s built heritage and spaces
Date/Time: 11.00 am
MARCH
Night Time Tour of Mount Stuart
Friday 19th March
Please call (01700) 503877 for further information.
APRIL
Easter Egg Hunt in the Mount Stuart Rock Garden
Saturday 3rd April
Please call (01700) 503877 for further information.
Easter Egg Hunt at Ascog Hall
3rd - 10th April
MAY
Fri 30th April - Mon 3rd May
The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival
May 22nd
Ascog Hall - Calum’s Cabin Charity Open Day
An opportunity for everyone who hasn’t managed to visit before to come along at this lovely time of year and see the garden in all it’s full spring glory. All monies raised on this day will go to the wonderful Calum’s Cabin. Tea/coffee and homebaking available.
Sunday 23rd May, 11am – 4pm
Bute Food & Craft Market at Mount Stuart
Situated within the Courtyard Area of the House, sample and purchase locally produced food and craft.
JUNE
June 20th
Ascog Hall - FATHERS DAY
Go on, give your dad an afternoon out at Ascog Hall Gardens & fernery. As it’s father’s day all dad’s get in for free .
JULY
Sunday 25th, 11am – 4pm
Bute Food & Craft Market at Mount Stuart
Situated within the Courtyard Area of the House, sample and purchase locally produced food and craft.
AUGUST
August 1st
Ascog Hall - Teddy Bears Picnic Sunday
14.00 p.m. bring your favourite toy and a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the big monkey puzzle tree. Refreshments included in admission.
Adults £4 children £1.00
Weds Aug 11th
Bute Agricultural Annual Show
Friday 20th - Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham in concert
Full Details Here
Sat Aug 21st
Bute Highland Gathering
Post Highland Games Ceilidh at Mountstuart House
Full Details Here
SEPTEMBER
eatBute 10 at Mount Stuart
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th September
An annual Island event, highlighting sustainability, biodiversity, traditions and cultures linked with food on Bute and the surrounding areas.
Keep up to date with the latest news and developments on www.eatbute.com
24th – 27th
18th Annual Linedance Festival
DECEMBER
Festive Food & Craft Market at Mount Stuart
Sunday 5th December, 11am – 4pm
Situated within the stunning setting of Mount Stuart, sample and purchase locally produced food and craft. Entry to this event is free.
The inaugural event in 2008 was a celebration of Tasty, Fresh and Seasonal locally-sourced food. It showcased the finest fresh produce from Bute and the surrounding areas of Argyll, as well as showing the importance of eating food that is good, clean and fair - in line with the values of ‘Slow Food’.
eatBute08 was organised and promoted by Mount Stuart Trust in association with Slow Food UK and Petersham Nurseries. It was a new and exciting addition to our Island’s event calendar. The aim – to promote sustainability and biodiversity, as well as to protect the rich traditions and culture linked with locally produced food.
In its first year, the farmers’ market on Saturday 24th May, attracted almost 2000 visitors who were able to purchase a range of food products from eggs, milk and cheese to lamb, beef and pork. Positive feedback was received from all stall holders with most having sold out well before the scheduled end.
Feedback from the event was exceptionally positive, as shown by this selection of comments:
First Milk UK, eatBute’s main event sponsor; “On behalf of us all at First Milk, I’d like to congratulate you on the success of eatBute08, and to thank you for the opportunity to be part of the event. On many levels it appears to have been a very significant success. This dinner was a magnificent occasion, and the farmers’ market on the Saturday very successful.“
Chef, Nick Nairn; “You have a unique opportunity, because Bute is a microcosm of everything good going on in Scottish food. I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen – a shining example of what you can do when enough people want it to happen.“
Chairman of VisitScotland, Peter Lederer; “We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Bute and were so impressed by the planning and organisation of the event.“
Director of the Soil Association, Patrick Holden; “I thought it all went brilliantly well… the message will not have been lost on anyone who attended, including the islanders who were reconnected with the story behind their food. I was inspired with a sense that I had been present at the beginning of a whole new chapter of Bute’s food and farming history.“
Take a look around eatbute website to get a taste of Bute.
eatBute will continue to be an annual event held at Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute
Dates for 2010: 10th – 12th September
Superb Fishing for Trout on Loch Fad
Loch Fad , the ‘long loch’ covers 175 acres and is situated in the centre of Bute along the Highland fault line. It is classified by Scottish Natural Heritage as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) for its scenic beauty and its huge diversity of bird life and vegetation. The loch is surrounded by wooded hills, including one of the first commercial Douglas Fir plantations dating from the 1840’s.
Loch Fad and Loch Quien from the south
With a maximum depth of 36 feet at the narrows, the ends of the loch have shallower areas ideal for fly fishing and although fish can be taken all over, the south end does tend to fish better as the water warms. The fishery is suitable for both the serious and novice angler with a large area of the loch, and the 30 boats with 4hp outboards, restricted to fly only. Bait and spinning is permitted from the bank at the north end of the loch.
The loch is stocked several times each week with quality reared fish at a minimum size of 1lb 4oz ranging up to 18lbs.
Early in the season most of the locals fish clear intermediate lines teamed up with patterns like the Black Zonker and Black & Green Fritz. As the water warms the fish spread out and good buzzer hatches will have the fish right on top. There is also a hatch of mayfly, although the timing of this varies from year to year. As summer progresses Stonefly &
A good days fishing
Sedges can be seen over most of the loch, so traditionals like Dunkeld, Mallard and Claret and Silver Invicta are worth a try.We have a good selection of flies on sale at the Bailiffs Hut.
The facilities at the head of Loch Fad include a picnic area, anglers shelter, toilets, partial disabled access, tuition*, ghillie* and rod hire* and our staff are on hand to offer expert and helpful advice
Full details about Loch Fad can be found on the their website
Rothesay Golf Course Clubhouse
Where ever you play, you’ll be inspired by spectacular panoramas and refreshed by sea breezes.
Rothesay Golf Club
Arguably one of Scotland’s most scenic, the course was designed by James Braid and Ben Sayers and boasts unparalleled panoramic views of the Kyles of Bute, Clyde coast, Arran and the Cowal Peninsula. At only 5419 yards long don’t be deceived, Rothesay golf course will present any player a challenge whether it be the rolling par 4’s or the testing par 3’s where par is always a good score. Come along and experience island life and its atmosphere. Enjoy a challenging days golf, where our Professional Jimmy Dougal & Clubmaster John Rannie will do their utmost to make your visit a memorable one. Visit the Website
Rothesay Golf Club are running a joint promotion with Calmac Ferries and local quality accommodation providers this winter.
For more details visit The Stay and Play Website
Port Bannatyne Golf Course overlooking the Cowal Hills
Port Bannatyne
Founded in 1912, the Port Bannatyne Golf Club can claim to be among the most scenic courses in Scotland, looking over Kames Bay to the Cowal Hills and the mouths of the Kyles of Bute and Loch Striven. At the top of the course, golfers can look westward to Loch Fyne and the peninsula of Kintyre. Mountains, waterways, islands, sailing boats, and vast horizons are pleasing distractions.
The course is somewhat unusual in having only 13 holes, with the first five being replayed before ending on a separate 18th. But the holes are an interesting and demanding mix with equally enticing names like the Burn, the Rushes, the Kyles, the Pancake, the Winney, the Puzzle, the Trap, the Saucer, etc.
Located on the west coast and benefiting from the Gulf Stream means that the course is almost never closed because of snow—play goes on 12 months a year in a temperate climate. Visit the Website
Bute Golf Course at Kingarth with the view to Arran
Bute Golf Club at Kingarth
Close to the sands of Stravannan Bay on Bute’s west coast, Bute Golf Club’s 9 hole course provides a delightful location in a rural setting with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains of Arran. The course although only nine holes offers an array of challenges from the tricky 2nd over the wall to negotiating the burn at the short 3rd and the hillocks at the 8th. Visit the Website
Ramblers at Ettrick Bay
Walking…
Bute is only fifteen miles long and five miles across at its widest point, so most sites of interest are easily accessible. The highest point is Windy Hill, just 900 feet. If you enjoy relaxing walks, you will be delighted. Most walks can be as long or as short as you want them to be.
For the more adventurous walker there is Bute’s very own West Island Way where walkers can choose a variety of routes around the island to explore some of the remoter parts of the countryside.
The isle of Bute Ramblers organise and lead a number of organised walks throughout the island, why not join one and get an insight into some of Butes history. All organised walks start from the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre.
Bute is great for cycling, for lots of reasons: it’s big enough to offer a wide range of cycling options, but not too big that the main town of Rothesay is ever that far away; the short ferry journey means that its ideal for a day out with the bikes; it has some truly splendid views and scenery; it’s relatively flat; there is an excellent bike rental service; and there’s very little traffic. And of course there are a number of cafes and restaurants strategically situated around the island, perfect for replenishment. So it’s no surprise that many people are to be seen biking it on Bute.
Bute is great for cycling, for lots of reasons: it’s big enough to offer a wide range of cycling options, but not too big that the main town of Rothesay is ever that far away; the short ferry journey means that its ideal for a day out with the bikes; it has some truly splendid views and scenery; it’s relatively flat; there is an excellent bike rental service; and there’s very little traffic. And of course there are a number of cafes and restaurants strategically situated around the island, perfect for replenishment. So it’s no surprise that many people are to be seen biking it on Bute.
The public roads around Bute offer a number of cycling options. There is a 23 mile loop which takes in most of the perimeter of the island, and also roads which bisect it and thereby provide shorter routes.
One excellent choice is the Rothesay-Ettrick Bay loop, which is approximately 10 miles: coming off the ferry turn right out through the town, to and through the village of Port Bannatyne; taking the next left and you are already into the countryside. About ½ mile out this road (A844) take a left turn for Ballianlay. Coming up over the gentle brow of this road is likely to be your first view of the magnificent backdrop that is the Isle of Arran. Following this main road around will take you back into Rothesay, which is well sign-posted. However a few detours are highly recommended: Ettrick Bay Tearoom is a very popular destination, while the village of Straad and St Ninian’s Bay are without doubt one of the island’s most magical spots.
If you fancy something longer do not follow the road back into Rothesay, instead turn right at Greenan Mill and follow the coast road (still the A844) to Seal Point and Scalpsie Bay. Both of these are excellent places to take repose and admire the views. Turning left at the t-junction onto the B881 will again bring you back into Rothesay, while turning right brings you out by Bute Golf Course, Kingarth Hotel and on up the hill to the Mount Stuart estate. After that it’s a few miles downhill and along the island’s east coast back into, yes you’ve guessed it, Rothesay.
There is no shortage of options for off-road mountain bike too. Starting at the Mount Stuart War Memorial monument and heading up over the Moor Road is great fun with some exhilarating views. Also there are some mountain bike trails in the forest along by Loch Fad, and forestry tracks through the woods at the very north of the island.
Hire a bike from The Bike Shed to explore our wonderful island . Call 01700 505515 to discuss your needs with a fully trained member of staff or visit www.thebikeshed.org.uk.
Dancers at the games
SATURDAY 21st AUGUST 2010
To enhance the Bute Games weekend there are 2 events for you to enjoy in 2010
On Friday 20th August Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain will be performing at the Rothesay Pavilion. Full details can be found here
On Saturday night there is an after games ceilidh at Mountstuart House with music from the Bute Ceilidh Band. Not to be missed - Full details here
The annual gathering at the Bute Highland Games is a spectacle that shouldn’t be missed. This years event will take place on 22nd August at the Bute Showground.
The origins of Highland Games in Scotland can be traced back many hundreds of years. Clan chiefs used the games to recruit staff-Winners of races made excellent couriers, while winners of strength events made fine bodyguards and soldiers.
Rival Clan Chiefs often used to match their champions against each other at important Highland Gatherings and great status was placed on winning and losing.
Dancers and Pipers also became part of the household staff of Clan Chiefs-not merely for their entertainment value but also for the esteem and glory which their skills and success reflected on their masters.
King Malcolm is thought to have begun the Royal association with Highland Games at Braemar during the 11th Century. It was Queen Victoria, who dearly loved Scotland, who later made modern Highland Games so universally popular from the 19th. Century onwards.
Although Games were held on Bute in earlier times, their exact history is unclear. The modern Games as we know them began in 1947, under the auspices of Bute Shinty and Amateur Athletic Sports Club.
Wrestlers at the Rothesay Games
The founder Secretary Tom B. McMillan served as Honorary Secretary from 1947 till 1989. He remained active on the Organising Committee as our Vice Chieftain until his sad death during 1993. In 1989 Gordon Sutherland was appointed Honorary Secretary until he stepped down at the Annual General Meeting in June, 2008. At the same AGM David Anderson was unanimously appointed Secretary – the third Secretary in 61 years.
These Games have gradually grown in status and strength, to their present position as one of the major events on the Highland Games calendar.
All competitions at Bute Highland Games are run in accordance with Amateur Rules and Regulations. The preparatory and organisational work is carried out by volunteers.
Visit the Official Highland Games Website
This years FESTIVAL is scheduled for Thursday 30th April - Monday 4th MAY
Phil Mason - the founding committee member of the Jazz Festival
The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival began in 1988 and has been staged annually on the first weekend of May ever since - thisyear’s event will be the 21st.
The first Festival was a small affair with only six bands, and the organisers held their breath to see if anyone would come to a small Scottish island with little tradition of jazz (although big dance bands certainly played regularly at Rothesay Pavilion in the 1950’s and 60’s). Happily enough fans turned up that first year to encourage another venture the following year, and the Festival has continued to grow in reputation and stature ever since.
Some very well known jazz names featured on the programme over the next few years - Acker Bilk, Monty Sunshine, Martin Taylor, Tommy Smith, Andy Sheppard, Carol Kidd, The Temperance 7, and The London Community Gospel Choir amongst others, and the Festival continues to attract top class UK and international bands in mainly the Traditional New Orleans idiom.
The Festival is a great supporter of young musicians who feature prominently in the annual programme.
Phil Mason
Director Phil Mason - another well-known name in jazz circles - is a long-term resident on the Island and he brings his very popular New Orleans All-Stars with Blues & Gospel singer Christine Tyrrell to the weekend every year.
The official Isle of Bute Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival website is HERE
Try your hand at fishing on Bute’s Lochs.
Loch Fad is tranquil — until you feel the jerk of an 18lb trout, and you know a fight is on. Fish of such size are landed regularly from boat and bank between March and October.
Fly fishing on Loch Fad
In addition, Quien Loch has its fair share of browns, which will test your abilities to the limit.
Whatever time of year you come to Loch Ascog. you can pull in pike.
Greenan Loch is well stocked with tench, roach and carp.
Sailing in Bute’s sheltered waters
The waters around Bute are just as fascinating to explore as the island itself, and the Maids of Bute, the painted rocks on the northwest coast, are a well known landmark.
The new inner harbour pontoons and berths
Moorings
Rothesay
There are now 40 moorings at £7.00 per night. 25 are on the north side of the bay, and 15 on the south side. The harbour can presently hold a number of boats, with more room available on the pontoon behind the north side of the ferry terminal which is more suitable for newer wider boats. Rothesay harbour and pontoon berths are in great demand in high season. The now complete inner harbour development should hold about another 40 boats. The Isle of Bute Sailing club is situated at the north end of the bay.
Port Bannatyne
There are swinging moorings available in Kames Bay and a vibrant cafe/post office a couple of pubs and a seafood restaurant.
A new marina is under construction. Plans for the development indicate it would be capable of accommodating 58 boats. Click here for more information
